Shutting down of old coal power plants

Syllabus- General Studies 3(environment/economy) Context As part of the Union Budget address for 2020-21, the Finance Minister, said that the shutting down of old coal power plants, which are major contributors to emissions, will aid the achievement of India’s Nationally Determined Contributions. Furthermore It is argued that the availability of under-utilised newer (and presumably more efficient) coal-based capacity means that shutting down older inefficient plants would lead to improved efficiencies, reduced coal usage, and hence, cost savings. It is argued that it would be uneconomical for old plants to install pollution control equipment required to meet the emission standards announced by the Environment....Read More